Texas has earned the top spot in PFF’s position-unit rankings for its secondary as the 2025 season approaches. Just days after being named the No. 1 linebacker unit, the Longhorns have now claimed the best secondary in college football .
What makes the Longhorns’ secondary elite?
**Star power at multiple positions:**
Michael Taaffe, an All-American, is ranked the No. 4 safety in PFF’s preseason assessments. In 2024, he ranked fourth among all safeties in PFF’s wins-above-average metric, trailing only Ohio State’s Caleb Downs .
Malik Muhammad comes in as the No. 6 cornerback. He was the fourth-most-valuable returning Power Four corner since 2023, per PFF’s WAR metric .
**Depth across the unit:**
Senior Jaylon Guilbeau is expected on the outside after a slot role in 2024. In the nickel, junior Jelani McDonald posted an 89.1 run-defense grade, ranking him sixth among FBS safeties .
Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore Derek Williams Jr. returns from injury, boasting a 77.8 run-defense grade in 2023 . Other contributors include Kobe Black, Kade Phillips, Xavier Filsaime, Jonah Williams, and Jordon Johnson-Rubell .
**Proven 2024 performance:**
The unit allowed just 173.8 passing yards per game in 2024—ranking seventh-lowest nationally—and tied for first in interceptions with 22 . Despite losing Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba to the NFL, Texas’ secondary returns significant talent .
**Standing above the rest:**
PFF’s preseason ranking places Texas ahead of traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Notre Dame . In its deep dive, On3 notes that few teams return five starting-caliber defensive backs after losing major NFL talent—Texas does
Why does it matter?
1. Back-seven dominance: With both the No. 1 linebackers and top-tier secondary, Texas boasts arguably the best back‑seven in the country—a defensive foundation that sets the tone for their title aspirations .
2. Championship trajectory: ESPN’s future power rankings rank Texas No. 1 overall heading into 2025, citing their balanced talent, elite defense, and high-ceiling offense .
3. NFL-caliber talent: Taaffe and Muhammad are projected as 2026 NFL draft picks, affirming the unit’s elite status .
In short, PFF’s No. 1 ranking isn’t hype—it’s the result of established stars, proven performance, and depth—positioning Texas’ secondary as the most formidable in college football as they head into a defining 2025 campaigns